When the term “custody” is used in a divorce, it refers to the parent who has the decision-making power over the child. The person with custody makes major decisions such as where the child goes to school, what doctor the child sees, what medical treatments are made and what religion the child is brought up in.

There are two types of custody in Oklahoma.

• Sole Custody is where only one parent has custody. The other parent does not have the power to make major decisions. The person who has custody is called the “custodial parent.” The person who does not have custody is called the “non-custodial parent” and must abide by the major decisions made by the custodial parent.

• Joint Custody is where both parents have to agree on major decisions. A parent should not make a major decision without consulting the other.